A community group has ramped up its search for an independent candidate to run for federal parliament next year.
Fairfax Matters is calling for expressions of interest from individuals who are passionate about representing the seat of Fairfax on the Sunshine Coast.
The group has received more than a dozen informal nominations for the role but is continuing its search.
Fairfax – a 1004sq km electorate – ranges from the coastal towns of Coolum and Maroochydore to the hinterland towns of Nambour, Yandina, Eumundi, Woombye, Mapleton and Kenilworth.
The seat has been held by the LNP’s Ted O’Brien since 2016. He won it with 44.91 per cent of the vote in 2022, but with a 4.71 per cent swing against him. He had 58.95 per cent on a two-party preferred basis against Labor’s Sue Ferguson. Two independents, Barry Smith and Sinim Australie, received a combined 2.08 per cent of the vote.
Fairfax Matters stated that it had received 15 informal community nominations for potential candidates through its website, which they said reflected strong interest from residents in finding an independent voice to represent the electorate.
The group has also identified more than 60 influential community leaders from the business, community and public sectors, who will be invited to consider the opportunity.
Group spokesperson Colin Graham said next year’s election would be “Fairfax’s time for change”.
“We are one of the fastest-growing areas in Australia but with minimal infrastructure and policy support to match this growth due to its status as a safe seat for the Coalition,” he said.
“The recent state election highlighted how traditional party tactics focus more on political point-scoring and less on genuine community engagement.
“It’s time for a different approach – one where the voices of Fairfax residents are genuinely heard and decisions are made based on their concerns and needs, not party agendas.”
The group said the success of independents like Jacqui Scruby in Pittwater in the recent NSW by-election demonstrated the power of community-backed candidates.
Ms Scruby recently attended the launch of Fairfax Matters’ Community Voices Report at the Nambour RSL and shared her experience running against well-financed major parties.
“Jacqui’s success shows that, with strong community support, an independent can
truly make a difference,” Mr Graham said.
Fairfax Matters also co-hosted an event with independent MP Zali Steggall and community group Voices of Fisher, which is hunting for an independent candidate for the seat of Fisher.
Fairfax Matters is seeking someone who has a deep connection to the Fairfax electorate who; has a commitment to addressing the unique challenges of the Sunshine Coast; has demonstrated success in community work, business, or the public sector; and embodies the core values of Fairfax Matters: integrity, positive politics, and climate leadership.
“We don’t expect a superhuman,” Mr Graham said.
“We want someone who shares our values, is dissatisfied with the status quo and is ready to stand up for the Sunshine Coast.”
A Fairfax Matters media release said it had a strong base of volunteers and fundraising support, ensuring that the right candidate would have the backing needed to mount a successful campaign.
Volunteers recently distributed leaflets to more than 15,000 homes across Fairfax, and further community engagement efforts are planned.
The deadline for formal submissions is 5pm on Wednesday, November 20. Potential candidates can download the Candidate Information Booklet at Fairfax Matters. All expressions of interest are confidential.
Sunshine Coast voters recently showed their colours at the Queensland election. Seven LNP candidates and one independent were ahead in the vote count.
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